Kasette Koffie’s owner, Reuben Vermoet, was six when he pressed record on a yellow Sony Walkman Sport, with Bruce Springsteen on one side and Michael Jackson on the other, and that love of analogue sound runs through the café. Kasette began as a mobile bar giving free coffee to healthcare workers through the pandemic winters, then found a permanent home in a former flower shop in the historic centre.

The room goes against modern, sterile minimalism, with Blade Runner styling and synthwave neon, and the music comes only from vinyl, never streaming. On most Saturdays a DJ plays a live vinyl set, and anyone who wants to play can apply in the shop. Three chickens, Lil’ Gus, Megatron and Optimus Prime, live in the courtyard garden, and the staff will soft-boil one of their eggs on request.

The coffee comes from Kolonel and a selection of guest roasters from around Europe, as espresso drinks or as pour-over from a large range of filter beans that are also sold to brew at home. Reuben bakes everything except the bread and the croissants, including a New York-style cheesecake, served at weekends only, that he has tattooed on his arm. Grilled cheese sandwiches on sourdough round out the menu.

Coffee on the shelf

Photograph: Kasette Koffie